Capitals hockey star Alex Ovechkin is tasked with the unenviable burden of leading his national team to gold in the Sochi Games, which, understandably so, Brooks Laich told the Junkies, has put “a lot of pressure” on his two-time NHL MVP teammate to deliver.

With three goaltenders on the roster, and maintaining a heavy rotation between them all, the Capitals have yet to find consistent play in net this season, and Brooks Laich tells the Junkies, that’s not ideal for any of them.

It seems Brooks Laich has moved on to Cakes as his favorite Junkie in EB’s absence, acknowledging Cakes with his signature of friendship Thursday — the weekly ‘buddy’ reference. What a monumental shift in their relationship.

Brooks Laich doesn’t fully blame Caps teammate Tom Wilson for viciously colliding with Flyers’ defenseman Brayden Schenn at full speed – which sent Schenn flying into the boards – with minutes remaining in the 2nd period of the Caps’ 5-2 loss to Philadelphia Tuesday evening.

When on with the Junkies Wednesday – in light of a recent story about Mike Tyson using a whizzinator to evade failed drug tests – Laich was asked about the drug testing process, and how close in proximity the urine collector stands to players as they’re administering urine.

Four current Caps’ veterans – Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, Troy Brouwer and Karl Alzner – were asked about rookie hazing in hockey. Here are their responses, regarding the “traditions” involving rookies that take place within the Capitals locker room.

Brooks Laich was the latest Capital to speak publicly on Philly goalie Ray Emery attacking Braden Holtby last week, saying he wasn’t surprised, having played with Emery in the past, that he would do something like that — in an interview with the Junkies on 106.7 The Fan on Tuesday.